Fungal diseases of the nails and feet are widespread.
Because
Doctors divide fungal diseases of the feet and nails into two groups. The first includes diseases called epidermophytosis caused by the fungus Trichophyton interdigitale, the second - rubrophytosis, which occurs when the fungus Trichophyton rubrum multiplies. These fungi can affect both the nail plates and the interdigital folds, soles and back of the foot.
Factors contributing to fungal infection:
- cracks, abrasions in the intercostal folds caused by sweating or dry skin, abrasion, poor drying after water treatments, narrow interdigital spaces, flat feet, wearing tight shoes, etc. ;
- vascular disease, limb frostbite, standing work, varicose veins, decreased immunity, endocrine diseases, stress;
- occupational factors - work in mining companies, in the metallurgical and chemical industries. Fungus on the nails and feet often affects servicemen and athletes, which is also due to the peculiarities of their profession.
The disease can be transmitted through close contact with the patient or through objects he has used. Baths, swimming pools and other public places with high humidity are "dangerous" in terms of pollution. There are ideal conditions for the fungus for a "greenhouse": heat and moisture. In addition, the nail plate, almost entirely composed of keratin, is an excellent breeding ground for fungi.
Once in the nail plate, the fungus grows and multiplies very slowly. Gradually, it dissolves the nail, taking its place and spreading to the surrounding skin.
What is happening?
In fungal infections of the skin of the feet, the process often begins with intercostal folds. Cracks and peeling form in these places. Later, the skin begins to redden and itch. The process often goes to the back of the foot, the foot, the plantar part of the toes. Other clinical forms of fungal infection are possible.
Nail fungus manifests itself as follows:
- Nail color: white, yellow, brown, black. The nail is blunt, opaque.
- Nail surface: uneven, rough. The nail crumbles.
- Nail thickness: thickening or thinning / layering.
- Nail shape: deformed.
- Nail crease: unaltered or inflamed.
Significant deformation of the nails and their thickening creates certain difficulties in cutting them. In addition, the pressure of a thick deformed nail on the underlying tissue (nail bed), as well as the pressure of the shoe on the nail, can in many cases cause pain.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases is performed by a dermatologist. The doctor will first send you to do a scraping - to determine the type of fungus and prescribe the necessary treatment. In addition, certain drugs are prescribed based on the general condition of the patient, the presence or absence of other diseases. Therefore, self-medication is ineffective and can sometimes even worsen the course of the disease.
The main danger of a fungal infection of the feet is that the disease will progress all the time. If the fungus is not treated, then, starting with one nail, it will spread to others and then to nearby areas of the skin or nails. In rare cases, there is even damage to internal organs.
In addition, the causative agents of this disease, such as very strong allergens, can restore the body's sensitivity and thus cause various types of allergic reactions.
Many patients prefer to use the widely advertised antifungal varnishes and ointments. It should be remembered that antifungal varnishes help only in the early stages of the disease and do not affect the entire thickness of the nail - in many cases it is necessary to take drugs (tablets) inside. In addition, some creams act only on the skin, without penetrating the nail. These funds are intended mainly for prevention.
Sometimes people do not go to doctors for fear of complete removal of the nail plate. This will not happen because the delete method is no longer applied. Powerful antifungal drugs are currently used, which, when used properly, completely eliminate the fungus.
In the process of treating a fungal infection and after its completion, it is important to disinfect everything that the fungus has come in contact with. Disinfection should be applied to floors, walls, bath fixtures, showers, bathrooms, as well as the patient's personal belongings: bed linen, shoes, skin and nail care items.
You can reduce the risk of fungal infection by following these guidelines:
- use an individual towel;
- wear individual indoor shoes;
- take a shower after the pool;
- do not wear slippers when visiting;
- do not try barefoot shoes in the store.